'I'm not exaggerating when I say there was a shower of sparks'

PASSENGER SAID HE WITNESSED EXPLOSION ON METRO TRAIN

- By NICOLE GOODWIN

A METRO passenger said he witnessed an explosion onboard a train which has been taken out of service following a fire on its roof.

Firefighters were called to Cullercoats Metro station on Monday evening after a small fire broke out on the roof of one of the carriages.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, however, Metro operator Nexus said the immediate cause has been identified as a result of antisocial behaviour.

The incident has now been referred to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to determine whether they wish to investigate further.

Nick Convery, 39, was on the Metro at the time of the incident and said he witnessed an explosion and sparks flying from the ceiling before passengers had to evacuate the train.

He said: "I'm not exaggerating when I say there was a shower of sparks. There was a sudden cascade that came right down to the floor level of the carriage, it was that big."

Nick boarded the Metro, which was one of the older trains, at St James' towards Whitley Bay and sat at the back of the train near the rear driver's cabin. But he said he noticed several issues with the Metro throughout his journey.